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Woman almost died in cow attack
A BLACKPOOL woman today relived the terrifying moment she thought she was going to die as she was trampled by a herd of cows.
Alice Rosser was walking on holiday in Scotland when a cow charged at her, stamping on her body and breaking her ribs.
Now the music teacher, of Chatsworth Avenue, Norbreck, wants to warn walkers of the dangers after the incident left her traumatised, and unable to walk properly.
The news comes after a 49-year-old woman was killed after being attacked by a herd of cows in the Yorkshire Dales last week.
Mrs Rosser was holidaying on the Isle of Mull when she became trapped by the herd.
She said: "I was walking back to the caravan, and cows had gathered across the only path leading back. I was still contemplating what to do as I spotted a couple of calves, when one of the adults charged at me, flinging me off the pathway, breaking my ribs.
"What happened next is a blur – I landed in the mud, and it stamped and spun me round as the other animals were approaching.
"I thought I was going to die."
Luckily, Mrs Rosser's husband heard the commotion of the
agitated cows from the caravan, and drove his car towards his wife, helped her into the car and drove her to safety before she was airlifted to a hospital in Oban.
Mrs Rosser, who is a music teacher across Blackpool schools, added: "I could barely move, but I climbed into the back of the car, and went straight to the local doctor, who arranged for me to be airlifted to hospital.
"I had to take several weeks off work, and I can only walk a few yards at a time. It really angers me that the attack in Yorkshire was played down by the National Union of Farmers. I feel it is important to share my experience as a warning that cows are unpredictable, dangerous and not to be trusted.
"I would advise anyone to think very carefully before going anywhere near them, even if walking on a public footpath. I was luckier than the poor woman who died, so I want to warn people."
Liz Crowsley, a vet from Warrington, Cheshire, was walking her two dogs in Wensleydale, on June 22, and was tragically found dead by a holidaymaker after she was trampled by a herd of cows.
A fortnight ago, a cow left David Blunkett with a black eye and a cracked rib. Also on a walking holiday, the former home secretary was accompanied by his guide dog.
In both cases, the cows are thought to have been trying to drive off the dogs in order to protect their young.
While such attacks are rare, Health and Safety Executive figures show that 18 people – excluding Ms Crowsley – have been killed and 481 injured by cows in the past eight years.
Spring and early summer are when cows feel most vulnerable, but they can be spooked into reacting at any time of year, says Sharon Woods of the Ramblers' Association. "We hear of one or two incidents each week, but these don't usually involve serious injuries."
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
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Wind direction: West
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